Living your Faith "On the Job"

We had a super study last week on the subject of “carnal Christianity.” So what (for those who missed it or are out of the area) am I talking about? The whole idea is a bit controversial but here is the gist:

(1) The word “carnal” is translated from the Greek word sarkikos, meaning “fleshly” (see context in 1 Corinthians 3:1-3).
(2) The idea of being a “carnal Christian” is that even a believer can, for a time, “live like the devil” (or in “the world”) but that the TRUE born again/saved Christian will not remain carnal (“back slidden”) for an extended period of time. The Bible tells us that, aside from Christ, NO ONE is sinless (1 John 1:8) and every time we sin we are acting carnally.
(3) Eternal security for the true Christian is a fact of Scripture. However, in dealing with those who continue to live a life of rebellion and disobedience to God, the question is not whether one can lose their salvation but rather whether that person is truly saved in the first place (1 John 2:19). There is no magic in reciting the "Sinners's Prayer" with the idea that doing so will "save" you and that you can then live any way you want. Rather, the prayer must come with a sincere change of heart. Remember too that God WILL deal (loving discipline) His own (Hebrews 12:5-11), meaning that, the promise of salvation aside, there are indeed consequences for our sin and disobedience.
(4) God’s desire in saving us is that we progressively grow closer to the image of Christ (Romans 12:1-2) and closer to Him in general. In short, for the genuine Believer in Christ, outbreaks of carnality must be the exception and not the rule.
(5) Related passages: 2 Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 2:8-10; John 10:28; Romans 7:37-39; 1 John 5:13; 1 Corinthians 3:15

All that said, do YOU truly KNOW Him as Savior? If you are in the “back slider” group, have you repented and rededicated your life to Christ? Don’t wait another day to get RIGHT with Him and start living the life HE has planned for you. Need help? Shoot me an email, give me a call, join us this Saturday, and/or go to the "How to Know Christ as Savior" link (to your right).

This week we’re back in our PeaceKeeper’s Bible Study series on the topic of “BECOMING PEACEKEEPERS IN THE WORKPLACE.” It’s all about how to deal with micromanagement, bad supervisors, difficult peers, and more. We know the real stress in our work is not what we deal with on the street but rather what goes on in our stations, offices, etc. So how do we deal with that stress and negativity from a Biblical perspective? Join us on Saturday and we dig into what it truly means to LEAD (serve) from within while allowing God to make the changes.

TCM GEAR: As per previous posts, our gear (t-shirts, hoodie sweatshirts and polos) are IN and FREE to law enforcement personnel. I’ll have a bunch of hoodies on hand this Saturday. Just a couple of rules: (1) one each please, and (2) LOCALS must attend a study to get them. Please let me know your size info in advance so I’ll know what to bring. Supply is limited so get yours while they last!

VOTE!
Christians: this is probably the single most crucial election we will face in our lifetimes. In fact, some feel this may be the beginning of the end in terms of free elections and our freedom in general. Study the issues, become informed, and vote from a Christian (Biblical) perspective. Check out http://focusvoter.com/ and http://links.mail-family.org/servlet/MailView?ms=MjIzNjczNwS2&r=Njg0NTg1NzI3NwS2&j=NTk5MzIzOTMS1&mt=1&rt=0 for more.

PRAYER REQUESTS (as always, send me your prayer requests or, better yet, come join us on Saturday so we can pray for and with you).

(1) As per the above, we must continue to be be in prayer for our country and those who lead/will be leading us. This week’s scripture is Luke 12: 54-57. Pray that the person who is elected will be GOD’S man and do what is right (Biblical world view). Don’t forget 2 Chronicles 7:14: "If my people who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."
(2) Please pray for a local deputy and his family ref. their financial situation. The economy issues have resulted in overtime cuts for many agencies. Pray for God’s provision and a better teaching job for his wife. Tough for me to pray for more OT since that means more time at work and less with family but if we pray for God’s provision then we can rest assured that whatever He provides will be in accordance with His will.
(3) APD Det. Vince Harrison is suffering some persecution for his off-duty efforts to help an honorable, conservative Christian candidate running against the current DA in Albuquerque . Please pray for Vince's protection and that this candidate will be elected. We so desperately need rightous persons in elected office.
(4) Pray for a brother in Florida who is seeking employment with a law enforcement agency there. They too are in desperate need of financial provision in these tough times.
(5) Pray for a fellow officer who is not a believer and is dealing with a plethora of personal issues. (6) Praise report! FPD Chief Dave Gottschalk’s father is out of the hospital and feeling much better. PTL! Please continue to hold him up in prayer as he is still fighting cancer.

** Please help us get the “WORD” out by being bold enough to pass-on our newsletters and website “411” to others.

Looking forward to seeing you Saturday morning! In the meantime, stay safe and watch your six!